Scheduled maturities of our long-term debt outstanding as of September 30, 2021 are as follows (in thousands):

(1)	Debt issuance costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the applicable debt agreement. See Note 1 for accounting changes as a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2020-06.

Below is a summary of certain components of our indebtedness:

Credit Agreement

On September 30, 2021, we entered into an asset-based credit agreement (the “ABL Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”), Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Zions Bancorporation. The ABL Facility provides for an $80 million asset-based revolving credit facility, which matures on September 30, 2026, with a springing maturity 91 days prior to the maturity of any outstanding indebtedness with a principal amount in excess of $50 million. The ABL Facility also permits us to request an increase of the facility by up to $70 million, subject to certain conditions.

Commitments under the ABL Facility are comprised of separate U.S. and U.K. revolving credit facility commitments of $45 million and $35 million, respectively. The ABL Facility provides funding based on a borrowing base calculation that includes eligible U.S. and U.K. customer accounts receivable and cash, and provides for a $10 million sub-limit for the issuance of letters of credit. As of September 30, 2021, we had no borrowings under the ABL Facility, and our available borrowing capacity under that facility, based on the borrowing base, totaled $69.6 million, net of $2.2 million of letters of credit issued under that facility.

We and certain of our U.S. and U.K. subsidiaries are the initial borrowers under the ABL Facility, whose obligations under the ABL Facility are guaranteed by those borrowers and certain other U.S. and U.K. subsidiaries, excluding Cal Dive I – Title XI, Inc. (“CDI Title XI”), Helix Offshore Services Limited and certain other enumerated subsidiaries. Other subsidiaries may be added as guarantors of the facility in the future. The ABL Facility is secured by all accounts receivable and designated deposit accounts of the U.S. borrowers and guarantors, and by substantially all of the assets of the U.K. borrowers and guarantors.

U.S. borrowings under the ABL Facility initially bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus a margin of 1.50% to 2.00% or at a base rate plus a margin of 0.50% to 1.00%. U.K. borrowings under the ABL Facility denominated in U.S. dollars initially bear interest at the LIBOR rate and U.K. borrowings denominated in the British pound initially bear interest at the SONIA daily rate, each plus a margin of 1.50% to 2.00%. We also pay a commitment fee of 0.375% to 0.50% per annum on the unused portion of the facility. Beginning on the earlier of June 30, 2023, cessation of LIBOR or an earlier opt-in election, LIBOR will be replaced by either SOFR or term SOFR plus a margin of 0.114% to 0.428% or an alternate benchmark rate.

The ABL Facility includes certain limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, grant liens on assets, pay dividends and make distributions on equity interests, dispose of assets, make investments, repay certain indebtedness, engage in mergers, and other matters, in each case subject to certain exceptions. The ABL Facility contains customary default provisions which, if triggered, could result in acceleration of all amounts then outstanding. The ABL Facility requires us to satisfy and maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 if availability is less than the greater of 10% of the borrowing base or $8 million. The ABL Facility also requires us to maintain a pro forma minimum excess availability of $16 million for the 91 days prior to the maturity of each of our outstanding convertible senior notes.

Convertible Senior Notes Due 2022 (“2022 Notes”)

The 2022 Notes bear interest at a coupon interest rate of 4.25% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears on November 1 and May 1 of each year until maturity. The 2022 Notes mature on May 1, 2022 unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased by us. The 2022 Notes are convertible by their holders at any time beginning February 1, 2022 at an initial conversion rate of 71.9748 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount, which currently represents 2,519,118 potentially convertible shares at an initial conversion price of approximately $13.89 per share of common stock. Upon conversion, we have the right to satisfy our conversion obligation by delivering cash, shares of our common stock or any combination thereof.

Prior to February 1, 2022, holders of the 2022 Notes may convert their notes if the closing price of our common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter (share price condition) or if the trading price of the 2022 Notes was equal to or less than 97% of the conversion value of the notes during the five consecutive business days immediately after any ten consecutive trading day period (trading price condition). Holders of the 2022 Notes may also convert their notes if we make certain distributions on shares of our common stock or engage in certain corporate transactions, in which case the holders may be entitled to an increase in the conversion rate, depending on the price of our common shares and the time remaining to maturity, of up to 30.5887 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount.

Prior to November 1, 2019, the 2022 Notes were not redeemable. On or after November 1, 2019, we may redeem all or any portion of the 2022 Notes if the price of our common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period preceding our redemption notice. Any redemption would be payable in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and a “make-whole premium” calculated as the present value of all remaining scheduled interest payments. Holders of the 2022 Notes may convert any of their notes if we call the notes for redemption. Holders of the 2022 Notes may also require us to repurchase the notes following a “fundamental change,” which includes a change of control or a termination of trading of our common stock (as defined in the indenture governing the 2022 Notes).

The indenture governing the 2022 Notes contains customary terms and covenants, including that upon certain events of default, the entire principal amount of and any accrued interest on the notes may be declared immediately due and payable. In the case of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to us or a subsidiary, the principal amount of the 2022 Notes together with any accrued interest will become immediately due and payable.

The 2022 Notes were initially separated between the equity component recognized in shareholders’ equity and the debt component, which was presented as long-term debt, net of the unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs. The unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs were being accreted to interest expense through the maturity date of the 2022 Notes. As of December 31, 2020, unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs related to the 2022 Notes totaled $1.5 million. As a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2020-06 beginning January 1, 2021, there is no longer any debt discount (or related accretion) associated with the 2022 Notes (Note 1). As of September 30, 2021, unamortized debt issuance costs related to the 2022 Notes were $0.1 million.

The effective interest rate for the 2022 Notes prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2020-06 was 7.3%. The effective interest rate subsequent to the adoption of ASU No. 2020-06 decreased to 4.8%. For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021, total interest expense related to the 2022 Notes was $0.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively, with coupon interest expense of $0.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively, and the amortization of issuance costs of $0.2 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021. For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, total interest expense related to the 2022 Notes was $1.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively, with coupon interest expense of $0.8 million and $3.5 million, respectively, and the amortization of debt discount and issuance costs of $0.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

Convertible Senior Notes Due 2023 (“2023 Notes”)

The 2023 Notes bear interest at a coupon interest rate of 4.125% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year until maturity. The 2023 Notes mature on September 15, 2023 unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased by us. The 2023 Notes are convertible by their holders at any time beginning March 15, 2023 at an initial conversion rate of 105.6133 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount, which currently represents 3,168,399 potentially convertible shares at an initial conversion price of approximately $9.47 per share of common stock. Upon conversion, we have the right to satisfy our conversion obligation by delivering cash, shares of our common stock or any combination thereof.

Prior to March 15, 2023, holders of the 2023 Notes may convert their notes if the closing price of our common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter (share price condition) or if the trading price of the 2023 Notes was equal to or less than 97% of the conversion value of the notes during the five consecutive business days immediately after any ten consecutive trading day period (trading price condition). Holders of the 2023 Notes may also convert their notes if we make certain distributions on shares of our common stock or engage in certain corporate transactions, in which case the holders may be entitled to an increase in the conversion rate, depending on the price of our common shares and the time remaining to maturity, of up to 47.5260 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount.

Prior to March 15, 2021, the 2023 Notes were not redeemable. On or after March 15, 2021, we may redeem all or any portion of the 2023 Notes if the price of our common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period preceding our redemption notice. Any redemption would be payable in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and a “make-whole premium” calculated as the present value of all remaining scheduled interest payments. Holders of the 2023 Notes may convert any of their notes if we call the notes for redemption. Holders of the 2023 Notes may also require us to repurchase the notes following a “fundamental change,” which includes a change of control or a termination of trading of our common stock (as defined in the indenture governing the 2023 Notes).

The indenture governing the 2023 Notes contains customary terms and covenants, including that upon certain events of default, the entire principal amount of and any accrued interest on the notes may be declared immediately due and payable. In the case of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to us or a significant subsidiary, the principal amount of the 2023 Notes together with any accrued interest will become immediately due and payable.

The 2023 Notes were initially separated between the equity component recognized in shareholders’ equity and the debt component, which was presented as long-term debt, net of the unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs. The unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs were being accreted to interest expense through the maturity date of the 2023 Notes. As of December 31, 2020, unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs related to the 2023 Notes totaled $3.1 million. As a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2020-06 beginning January 1, 2021, there is no longer any debt discount (or related accretion) associated with the 2023 Notes (Note 1). As of September 30, 2021, unamortized debt issuance costs related to the 2023 Notes were $0.4 million.

The effective interest rate for the 2023 Notes prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2020-06 was 7.8%. The effective interest rate subsequent to the adoption of ASU No. 2020-06 decreased to 4.8%. For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021, total interest expense related to the 2023 Notes was $0.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, with coupon interest expense of $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and the amortization of issuance costs of $0.1 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021. For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, total interest expense related to the 2023 Notes was $1.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively, with coupon interest expense of $0.8 million and $3.4 million, respectively, and the amortization of debt discount and issuance costs of $0.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively.

Convertible Senior Notes Due 2026 (“2026 Notes”)

The 2026 Notes bear interest at a coupon interest rate of 6.75% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning February 15, 2021 until maturity. The 2026 Notes mature on February 15, 2026 unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased by us. The 2026 Notes are convertible by their holders at any time beginning November 17, 2025 at an initial conversion rate of 143.3795 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount, which currently represents 28,675,900 potentially convertible shares at an initial conversion price of approximately $6.97 per share of common stock. Upon conversion, we have the right to satisfy our conversion obligation by delivering cash, shares of our common stock or any combination thereof.

Prior to November 17, 2025, holders of the 2026 Notes may convert their notes if the closing price of our common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter (share price condition) or if the trading price of the 2026 Notes was equal to or less than 97% of the conversion value of the notes during the five consecutive business days immediately after any ten consecutive trading day period (trading price condition). Holders of the 2026 Notes may also convert their notes if we make certain distributions on shares of our common stock or engage in certain corporate transactions, in which case the holders may be entitled to an increase in the conversion rate, depending on the price of our common shares and the time remaining to maturity, of up to 64.5207 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount.

Prior to August 15, 2023, the 2026 Notes are not redeemable. On or after August 15, 2023, we may redeem all or any portion of the 2026 Notes if the price of our common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period preceding our redemption notice. Any redemption would be payable in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and a “make-whole premium” calculated as the present value of all remaining scheduled interest payments. Holders of the 2026 Notes may convert any of their notes if we call the notes for redemption. Holders of the 2026 Notes may also require us to repurchase the notes following a “fundamental change,” which includes a change of control or a termination of trading of our common stock (as defined in the indenture governing the 2026 Notes).

The indenture governing the 2026 Notes contains customary terms and covenants, including that upon certain events of default, the entire principal amount of and any accrued interest on the notes may be declared immediately due and payable. In the case of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to us or a significant subsidiary, the principal amount of the 2026 Notes together with any accrued interest will become immediately due and payable.

The 2026 Notes were initially separated between the equity component recognized in shareholders’ equity and the debt component, which was presented as long-term debt, net of the unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs. The unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs were being accreted to interest expense through the maturity date of the 2026 Notes. As of December 31, 2020, unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs related to the 2026 Notes totaled $47.3 million. As a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2020-06 beginning January 1, 2021, there is no longer any debt discount (or related accretion) associated with the 2026 Notes (Note 1). As of September 30, 2021, unamortized debt issuance costs related to the 2026 Notes were $6.2 million.

The effective interest rate for the 2026 Notes prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2020-06 was 12.4%. The effective interest rate subsequent to the adoption of ASU No. 2020-06 decreased to 7.6%. For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021, total interest expense related to the 2026 Notes was $3.7 million and $11.0 million, respectively, with coupon interest expense of $3.4 million and $10.1 million, respectively, and the amortization of debt issuance costs of $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively. For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, total interest expense related to the 2026 Notes was $2.5 million with coupon interest expense of $1.7 million and the amortization of debt discount and issuance costs of $0.8 million.

2026 Capped Calls

In connection with the 2026 Notes offering, we entered into capped call transactions (the “2026 Capped Calls”) with three separate option counterparties. The 2026 Capped Calls are separate transactions from the 2026 Notes and do not change the holders' rights under the 2026 Notes. Holders of the 2026 Notes do not have any rights with respect to the 2026 Capped Calls.

The 2026 Capped Calls are for an aggregate of 28,675,900 shares of our common stock, which corresponds to the shares into which the 2026 Notes are initially convertible. The capped call shares are subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. Each capped call option has an initial strike price of approximately $6.97 per share, which corresponds to the initial conversion price of the 2026 Notes, and an initial cap price of approximately $8.42 per share. The strike and cap prices are subject to certain adjustments. The 2026 Capped Calls are intended to offset some or all of the potential dilution to Helix common shares caused by any conversion of the 2026 Notes up to the cap price. The 2026 Capped Calls can be settled in either net shares or cash at our option in components commencing December 15, 2025 and ending February 12, 2026, which could be extended under certain circumstances.

The 2026 Capped Calls are subject to either adjustment or termination upon the occurrence of specified extraordinary events affecting Helix, including a merger, tender offer, nationalization, insolvency or delisting. In addition, certain events may result in a termination of the 2026 Capped Calls, including changes in law, insolvency filings and hedging disruptions. The 2026 Capped Calls are recorded at their aggregate cost of $10.6 million as a reduction to common stock in the shareholders’ equity section of our consolidated balance sheet.

MARAD Debt

In 2005, Helix’s subsidiary CDI – Title XI issued its U.S. Government Guaranteed Ship Financing Bonds, Q4000 Series, to refinance the construction financing originally granted in 2002 of the Q4000 vessel (the “MARAD Debt”). The MARAD Debt is guaranteed by the U.S. government pursuant to Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, administered by the Maritime Administration (“MARAD”). The obligation of CDI Title XI to reimburse MARAD in the event CDI Title XI fails to repay the MARAD Debt is collateralized by the Q4000 and is guaranteed 50% by us. In addition, we have agreed to bareboat charter the Q4000 from CDI Title XI for so long as the MARAD Debt remains outstanding. The MARAD Debt is payable in equal semi-annual installments, matures in February 2027 and bears interest at a rate of 4.93%. The agreements relating to the bonds and the terms and conditions of our obligations to MARAD in respect of the MARAD Debt are typical for U.S. government-guaranteed ship financing transactions, including customary restrictions on incurring additional liens on the Q4000 and trading restrictions with respect to the vessel as well as working capital requirements.

Other

We previously had a credit agreement with a syndicated bank lending group for a term loan (the “Nordea Q5000 Loan”) to finance the construction of the Q5000. The loan was secured by the Q5000 and its charter earnings. As of December 31, 2020, the remaining principal amount of the Nordea Q5000 Loan was $53.6 million, which we repaid in January 2021.

We previously had another credit agreement (and the amendments made thereafter, collectively the “Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders led by Bank of America. The Credit Agreement was comprised of a term loan (the “Term Loan”) and a revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with a maximum availability of $175 million and had a maturity date of December 31, 2021. Concurrent with our entering into the ABL Facility, the Credit Agreement was terminated. The $28 million remaining balance of the Term Loan was repaid in full and the letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility were transferred to the ABL Facility. We had no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

In accordance with the ABL Facility, the 2022 Notes, the 2023 Notes, the 2026 Notes and the MARAD Debt, we are required to comply with certain covenants, including a springing fixed charge coverage ratio and minimum liquidity with respect to the ABL Facility and the maintenance of net worth, working capital and debt-to-equity requirements with respect to the MARAD Debt. As of September 30, 2021, we were in compliance with these covenants.

The following table details the components of our net interest expense (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Interest expense	$	6,097	$	8,007	$	18,152	$	22,580
Capitalized interest		—		—		—		(1,182)
Interest income		(169)		(409)		(252)		(991)
Net interest expense	$	5,928	$	7,598	$	17,900	$	20,407